Jordan Times
Monday, January 26, 1998
Badran begins tour of refugee camps
AMMAN (J.T.) - The Department of Palestinian Affairs will try to
obtain funds from external donor organisations to finance
infrastructure projects in the Palestinian refugee camps in
Jordan, according to department Director Ibrahim Badran.
Speaking to representatives of Al Hussein Refugee Camp during an
inspection tour of the area, Mr. Badran promised to seek help
from donors, provided carefully studied plans for projects have
been made.
He said the camp is in need of income-generating projects to help
improve the living conditions of the refugees.
Mr. Badran added that he will make tours of the Kingdom's 12
other refugee camps to study residents' requests and their
general conditions.
The refugees in the camp complained to Mr. Badran about water
shortages, health issues and insufficient medical services.
He promised that his department would make contacts with the
concerned departments to help solve these problems.
The department director met with a committee in charge of
improving conditions in the camp and with the camp's youth
committee, as well as the women's federation branch of the camp.
Mr. Badran urged them not to depend on the government alone for
funds to finance their projects, which he said can help cut
unemployment and reduce poverty.
Through the Department of Palestinian Affairs, Jordan spends more
than $300 million per year on social, health, educational and
other services for the refugees living in Jordan, according to
department sources.
The refugees in Jordan constitute some 40 per cent of the total
number living in Arab host states, as well as the Palestinian
territories.
In the meetings, Mr. Badran learnt from the camp's director about
the shortage of medicines and insufficient number of doctors at
the health centre, which is run by the United Nations Relief and
Works Agency (UNRWA).
He also heard complaints about rainwater- and sewage-related
problems, especially in the winter season. The camp's youth
centre requested that the Ministry of Youth provide financial
support for its activities.